*Ochei To Follow, Secure Delta North Ticket
FORMER deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, has formally joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC), almost six days after resigning his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Omo-Agege, who lost his bid to return to the seante under the APC, declared his intention to contest the Delta Central senatorial seat in next year’s general elections.
A statement by his media aide, Sunny Areh, said the former deputy president of the 9th Senate, will now align politically with the NDC and support the party’s presidential aspiration of its candidate, Peter Obi.
In a personal statement he issued on Thursday, May 28, the Obarisi of Urhoboland said his decision to pitch tent with the NDC followed weeks of consultations with political associates, supporters and stakeholders across the country, insisting that Deltans were yearning for leadership anchored on integrity, accountability and visible development.
He expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party, including its leader, Seriake Dickson; Obi; Moses Cleopas; and Rabiu Kwankwaso for engaging him during the process leading to his defection, describing the NDC as a party founded on inclusion, transparency, grassroots participation and true federalism, and one that offered the clearest pathway for advancing the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria.
Omo-Agege said his planned return to the senate was driven by a renewed call from the people of Delta Central for effective representation, adding: “This is not about me; this is about the mandate you entrusted to me in 2019 and the renewed call from our people for my return to the Senate to provide effective representation.”
He criticised the state of infrastructure and public services in Delta State, despite huge federal allocations accruing to the state over the years, pointing to poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, unemployment and deteriorating educational infrastructure.
He accused the political class of failing the people, vowing to push for accountability, equitable distribution of federal projects, economic empowerment and improved social services, if elected once again to the senate.
The former APC leader in Delta State also pledged to strengthen the NDC structure across the state ahead of the elections, vowing to mobilise support from the grassroots and build a formidable political movement capable of challenging the ruling party.
While urging youths, women, traditional rulers, and voters across the state to actively participate in the democratic process, he charged them to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to shape the future of the state and the country, saying the next elections would mark a turning point for the state and Nigeria, as the era of “empty promises and failed leadership” must come to an end.
Meanwhile, there are strong indications that a former speaker of the state Assembly, Victor Ochei, who resigned his membership of the APC a few days ago, would also join the NDC and possibly secure its ticket to contest the Delta North senatorial seat.
Although events are still unfounlding, sources close to Ochei said it was only a matter of time, as all arrangements were being concluded for a smooth sail into the party to contest, having reportedly being granted a waiver, like Omo-Agege, by the NDC.
